MGM began life as a record label in 1946: initially as a vehicle for the company’s movie soundtracks.

By the 1960’s MGM had grown into one of the world’s major record companies: but the 60’s were also a time of massive growth in the record industry, and by 1969 MGM record sales diminished in the face of fierce competition.

Although not a specialist soul label, (MGM housed a wide variety of musical genres,) there are many soul and dance gems to be found, encompassing a fascinatingly diverse range of artists, groups and styles.

It is this diversity that makes the MGM opus such an interesting subject for collectors; and here I have included just ten lesser-known MGM tracks that illustrate that diversity so well.

Click on the artist’s name to see the label scan, and on the record title to hear the track.

BILLY STEWART’s brilliance is legendary, but my pick of his work is the magical chunk of 7” vinyl that is Chess 1991. Top-side is OL’ MAN RIVER, the song written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the musical ‘Showboat’. Stewart’s treatment of this standard classic sets my spine a-tingling with its jazzy undertones and drama. Flip-side is the superb dancer EVERYDAY I HAVE THE BLUES. Both tracks were taken from the 1966 LP, ‘TEACHES OLD STANDARDS NEW TRICKS’, a long forgotten album – but the single is one that should grace every collection.

The VONTASTICS, from Chicago, formed in 1965. They were Kenneth Gholar, Bobby Newsome, Jose Holmes and Raymond Penn. They were a short-lived outfit, but the quality of their output has made their eight singles  much sought after amongst collectors.